Ramsey hockey coach Portas not returning

NorthJersey.com has learned that Ramsey ice hockey coach Dean Portas will not return. Portas led Ramsey to a 25-2-2 record and the Public B state championship in 2016.

The news was confirmed by people close to the Ramsey ice hockey program.

Portas was in his first year at the helm of the Rams when he directed them to a state championship. This season, the program slumped to a 5-17-2 finish. Portas told NorthJersey.com in January that the team was progressing well, but had 13 freshmen on the 25-man roster.

“We’re hoping the future is bright,” he said in January. “We had a large group of freshman coming in getting varsity experience.”

Including two seasons at Fair Lawn, Portas' career coaching record is 53-41-6.

Calls made on Wednesday to Portas and Ramsey Athletic Director Jim Grasso were not immediately returned.